Top class

Given the likely shift towards refurbishment rather than new-build for schools – plus the increasing problem of unruly pupils disrupting classes – here’s a neat solution to both. Designed by Surface to Air architects, this special unit at Langford Primary School in Hammersmith, London, is for pupils ‘with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties’. It’s also 70% refurb, 30% newbuild.

Such units – for kids with a statement of special educational needs, or SEN – can all too easily resemble lock-ups for petty offenders, but Surface to Air has come up with something rather stylish. The new domestic-scaled courtyard building extends from the side of a refurbished two-storey school house, and the two architectures work well together.
So it‘s a relatively modest but very necessary addition to the country’s stock of educational buildings.  As StA director Pascale Scheurer reports: ‘Apparently the kids’ behaviour has improved massively as it’s a really calming space. And the staff have their workspace retreat when it all gets too much.’ HP